Planning permission has been granted for a former Arnold Clark branch in Glasgow Southside to be transformed into 50 modern flats for social rent. Developer, AS Homes (Scotland), will deliver the homes on behalf of Southside Housing Association. Located within the hustle and bustle of Glasgow’s popular Strathbungo location, the
Platform Housing Group (PHG) has partnered with social housing data and insights company Switchee to rollout Switchee devices in their residents’ homes. Implementation of IoT (internet of things) technology is part of the group’s digital transformation programme to help improve its offer and service to residents. Specifically, Platform Housing Group
A social housing provider has granted funding to help a local Parish Council purchase and install two new local, life-saving defibrillators. Platform Housing Group’s – one of the largest housing associations in the UK – awarded Community Chest Funding to Broughton Astley Parish Council in Leicester, to help ensure that
Plans to build 88 new affordable, green homes at the gateway to Oldham have entered the next phase as Greater Manchester-based housing provider, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has signed a deal with contractor, Caddick Construction, to deliver the project. The ‘West Vale’ housing scheme – part of FCHO’s £160m
Later living provider Anchor is seeking development consultant partners to help realise ambitious plans to deliver 5700 new homes over the next ten years. Anchor, England’s largest provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, will deliver the schemes across England, developing retirement communities that comprise 60
Southern Housing has confirmed its first major asset acquisition since registering as a housing provider in December 2022 following the merger of Southern Housing Group and Optivo. The first tranche transfer of 694 homes from L&Q, which completed today, builds on Southern Housing’s already significant presence in Surrey, England. Richard
Construction work has started on a multi-million development by Jessup Partnerships to transform Leicester’s iconic former bus depot on Abbey Lane into 117 homes for housing association Midland Heart. The site which has sat empty since 2007, will be the biggest residential scheme in the city and will be made
WORK to construct 157 homes on the outskirts of Carlisle will soon get under way after planning permission was granted for the development. Carlisle City Council’s Development Control Committee unanimously approved a reserved matters planning application from Penrith-based Genesis Homes for 157 high-specification homes to be built on land near
Nationwide housing provider, Guinness Homes, part of The Guinness Partnership, has launched Phase One of its new Signal Park development in Tolworth, Kingston-upon-Thames. At the recent launch event, prospective buyers had the chance to see how the development will look once completed. Viewers also had the opportunity to make reservations
Birmingham City Council is investing £27 million to retrofit 300 homes. An event has been announced which aims to help local retrofit professionals, community representatives and local government teams accelerate the progress of energy efficiency retrofit from strategic planning to successful delivery. The online presentations, discussion and networking from 6-8
Planning permission has been granted for a former Arnold Clark branch in Glasgow Southside to be transformed into 50 modern flats for social rent. Developer, AS Homes (Scotland), will deliver the homes on behalf of Southside Housing Association. Located within the hustle and bustle of Glasgow’s popular Strathbungo location, the site will be re-developed to create affordable flats and associated outdoor amenity spaces. The new development has been deemed to play an important role in providing much needed housing in such a sustainable location. Furthering its commitment to building energy-efficient homes and to provide lower energy costs for residents, AS Homes (Scotland) will be delivering the homes to Gold Hybrid sustainability status by installing air source heat pumps and PV panels. Lower energy lighting will also be incorporated into each home. Designed by architect Keppie Design, the development will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats, including wheelchair accessible homes, set across four, five and six storey blocks. A selection of flats will also offer additional outdoor balcony space. The development will boast engaging community spaces paved with attractive graphite footpaths and natural greenery such as planters, shrubs and trees. Residents will also be able to enjoy an interactive children’s play area, open seating areas and communal green space. Work is due to start in April 2023 with an expected completion date of April 2025. Andy Geddes, Technical Director at A S Homes (Scotland) Ltd, said: “Receiving the green light for our new development on Pollokshaws Road marks a major milestone in AS Homes’ ongoing dedication to helping bridge the gap for affordable housing within our communities. This site shows great potential and its transformation will add a whole new lease of life to the surrounding area in Glasgow Southside. We look forward to bringing new, energy-efficient homes with high-quality communal facilities to our local residents.” Donna Reilly, Director of Property Services at Southside Housing Association, said: “Southside Housing Association are delighted to be working in Partnership with AS Homes on this exciting project which will deliver a range of one, two and three bedroom homes for those in housing need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Platform Housing Group (PHG) has partnered with social housing data and insights company Switchee to rollout Switchee devices in their residents’ homes. Implementation of IoT (internet of things) technology is part of the group’s digital transformation programme to help improve its offer and service to residents. Specifically, Platform Housing Group is looking to use Switchee smart thermostat devices to provide real-time data and analytics about the performance of its housing stock. The use of Switchee data and its use in PHG systems (via API) will help to inform decision making and resource deployment around maintenance and flag issues such as damp and condensation mould. It will also identify where residents may need support. The project forms part of the group’s programme to achieve a minimum EPC C rating (Energy Performance Certificate) in targeted properties by 2028. Installations are being carried out through Switchee’s Trusted Installer Network, which supports Switchee’s housing partners with swift and efficient device rollouts. The devices will be installed across different types of properties; supported accommodation, properties at risk of condensation, damp and mould and into properties as part of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. All Switchee smart thermostats will be fitted by the end of March, with Platform Housing Group and Switchee providing full data analysis on an ongoing basis throughout the project and beyond the initial term. Jonathan Cocker, Chief Information Officer for Platform Housing Group said: “We’re delighted to be working with Switchee to improve the way we help customers in their homes. These devices are just one of the ways we’re investing in technology to achieve energy efficiency in all that we do and benefit the wider UK housing sector.” Tom Robins, Switchee CEO added: “Utilising technology like Switchee is a game changing for landlords. By enabling them to understand what’s going on in their properties, they can change their operations from reactive to proactive. They can see where their biggest issues are and can deploy resources more efficiently and lower their operating costs.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A social housing provider has granted funding to help a local Parish Council purchase and install two new local, life-saving defibrillators. Platform Housing Group’s – one of the largest housing associations in the UK – awarded Community Chest Funding to Broughton Astley Parish Council in Leicester, to help ensure that people in their parish have access to this vital, potentially life-saving equipment. Marion Duffy, Platform Housing Group’s Chief Operations Officer said “Our Community Chest Fund was set up to directly support customers in our local communities, so it’s great to have been able to help Broughton Astley Parish Council provide these defibrillators, particularly as research shows that accessing these devices within 3-5 minutes of a cardiac arrest increases the chance of survival by over 40%. “It’s also lovely to hear that an old telephone box has been repurposed to provide a home for one of the defibrillators, which is a really innovative way to recycle something no longer used.” Platform customers and local charities, clubs and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for Community Chest Funding if their work or project directly benefits local Platform customers. All applications are assessed against specific eligibility criteria by customers who sit on their Customer Experience Panel. “We are delighted that the two new defibrillators have now been installed in a decommissioned telephone kiosk on Coventry Road and at Frolesworth Road Recreation Ground. Both are now working fully and registered with the ambulance service, said Anita Percy, Grants Administrator from Broughton Astley Parish Council. “The funding provided by Platform Housing Group, along with the other kind donations, has made the provision and installation of these vitally important defibrillators, for the local people of Broughton Astley, possible.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to build 88 new affordable, green homes at the gateway to Oldham have entered the next phase as Greater Manchester-based housing provider, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has signed a deal with contractor, Caddick Construction, to deliver the project. The ‘West Vale’ housing scheme – part of FCHO’s £160m plan to deliver 1,100 affordable, modern homes in Oldham and surrounding areas between 2020 and 2026 – will transform the site where tower blocks, Crossbank House and Summervale House once stood at the top of Manchester Rd, Coldhurst. Following demolition of the ageing blocks last year, Caddick Construction is now readied to build FCHO’s £21m contemporary development of twenty-six houses – a mix of two, three and four-bedroom family houses – and 62 one and two-bedroom apartments to meet local housing need. All homes will be off gas, with a high energy performance rating, and use latest sustainable technologies including air source heat pumps and additional insulation to help residents save energy and money. The mixed tenure project will see 26 homes for shared ownership under FCHO’s Fabric Living brand, helping local people to get a foot on the housing ladder at an affordable price. Sixty two properties will be available for affordable rent – set at no more than 80% of the average local market rent. Properties for rent will be allocated in line with Oldham Council’s Allocations Policy. Plans for the West Vale site also include landscaped green spaces and a recreational zone with dedicated play area, providing a much-needed facility for younger children in the neighbourhood. Enabling works on site began in January this year and all new homes at the development are due for completion in winter 2024. Generating social value benefits throughout the new-build phase is a priority for the housing provider. FCHO and the contractor will be working with Oldham College to create training opportunities such as apprenticeships, work placements and T-level placements for local people over the life of the contract and adding further value by maximising local supply chain partners and carrying out wider community engagement. Joel Owen, FCHO’s Director of Development said: “We are very excited to be working with Caddick Construction to bring forward this exemplar scheme in such an important location in Oldham. “We’ve been on a journey with local people, businesses and organisations to get to this point and have worked hard to design a development that meets local need – providing a mix of affordable housing options, making home ownership possible for more people and leaving a positive legacy in the local community. “The build will set the benchmark for how we deliver great, high quality, sustainable homes that meet housing need today and are fit for the future and I look forward to works progressing.” Ian Threadgold, Managing Director of Caddick Construction in the North West, added: “I take great pride in the news that Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver on the new build phase of this fantastic development. We look forward to building these much-needed new homes in Greater Manchester on behalf of First Choice Homes Oldham.” Councillor Abdul Jabbar MBE, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Low Carbon and Coldhurst Ward councillor, said: “It is fantastic to reach another key milestone in bringing 88 new affordable and green homes to the West Vale site as First Choice Homes Oldham appoints Caddick Construction to deliver the project. “These new houses will provide much-needed homes for many families who are on the Council waiting list. “This will transform the site where the tower blocks once stood at the top of Manchester Road – and does so in a way that is considerate to the environment around us and leaves a positive legacy for future generations. “This is another development that will contribute to the Council’s, and borough’s, targets for carbon neutrality that we have in the Oldham Green New Deal Strategy and look forward to seeing the homes completed over the next 18 months to two years.” PRP Architect has designed the West Vale scheme and the professional team also includes Markhams as employer’s agent, Alan Johnston Partnership as structural engineering consultants, LeClardo as mechanical and electrical engineering consultants and Jensen Hughes as fire protection engineering consultants. As the West Vale development moves forward, FCHO is also investing in the region of £780k in investment works to its existing properties in the neighbourhood between now and 2025. A range of environmental improvements are underway, too. In the last 12 months the housing association has invested £9.5k on tree inspections, maintenance and planting, and a further £63.5k on clearing alleyways of rubbish and removing fly tipping, repairing and repainting fencing, and overhauling a disused communal garden behind Vale Drive. Read more about the West Vale development at www.fcho.co.uk/westvale Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Later living provider Anchor is seeking development consultant partners to help realise ambitious plans to deliver 5700 new homes over the next ten years. Anchor, England’s largest provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, will deliver the schemes across England, developing retirement communities that comprise 60 or more homes for sale, shared ownership and rent. The not-for-profit provider, through its new developments consultancy framework, is tendering for four-year partnerships with architects, employers’ agents and cost consultants, structural and civil engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers, planning consultants and principal designers. The total estimated value for delivering projects over the life of the framework is £800m. Steve Hogben, head of technical and commercial services for Anchor, said: “We have ambitious plans to further our provision for older people across the country. As a result, we are looking to secure long term partnerships with various practices from architects and designers to engineers and we have invited tenders from selected providers, with the view to award these tenders in June 2023.” Oliver Boundy, Executive Director of Development at Anchor, said: “Helping people enjoy later life is our passion. With an ageing population and a lack of supply, our housing, care and support is needed more than ever. “Anchor is proudly not-for-profit, which means every penny we make is reinvested into our properties and services, building more and innovating for the future so that people can have a home where they love living in later life. Our mission is to create communities that bring people together, encourage neighbourliness and reduce isolation while providing support services that give residents peace of mind. “Anchor manages 54,000 homes for both rent and sale to those aged 55 and over, operating across almost 1,700 sites and serving more than 65,000 residents. Our 10-year plan is to build on that success and help address the gap in service provision for older people in England.” Companies wishing to be considered can access the submission information here. The initial SQ stage will close on the 12 February 2023. Submissions must be received by this date to be considered. To find out more about the company’s growth strategy and vision for the future, or if you are a landowner, developer or site agent with suitable land then visit: www.anchorhanover.org.uk/professionals/land-acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Southern Housing has confirmed its first major asset acquisition since registering as a housing provider in December 2022 following the merger of Southern Housing Group and Optivo. The first tranche transfer of 694 homes from L&Q, which completed today, builds on Southern Housing’s already significant presence in Surrey, England. Richard White, Executive Development Director at Southern Housing said: ‘We are thrilled to have successfully completed a stock acquisition of this scale during what is an exciting time for Southern Housing. ‘It provides a timely boost for the new organisation and represents our forward- looking approach to being a strong, well-resourced local provider of homes. Strengthening our presence across key local authorities will allow us to achieve our ambition of deepening our ties with communities, being a stronger partner with local authorities and creating better housing for local people’. The newly acquired homes are located within eight local authorities, Guildford; Mole Valley; Runnymede; Rushmoor; Reigate & Banstead; Surrey Heath; Woking; and Wokingham. Southern Housing’s significant and pre-existing presence has been built up over several decades. The acquisition of almost 800 former L&Q properties is wholly aligned with the strategy of the new organisation. Emmanuel Thiagaraj, Senior Stock Acquisitions Manager at Southern Housing said: ‘This is our first stock transfer completion under the Southern Housing banner. We are delighted to share its success so soon after the start of the New Year and the new organisation. The acquisition epitomises Southern Housing’s vision as a creator of communities where everyone has a safe, secure home in a place where they’re proud to live. ‘Creating areas where we have a high concentration of homes, allows us to wield more influence and focus more resources, which will enable more positive change on behalf of our residents’. The acquisition will take place in two tranches with 694 homes transferred today, with the rest in March 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work has started on a multi-million development by Jessup Partnerships to transform Leicester’s iconic former bus depot on Abbey Lane into 117 homes for housing association Midland Heart. The site which has sat empty since 2007, will be the biggest residential scheme in the city and will be made up of a mix of 103 semi-detached and terraced houses, ranging from two, three, and four bedrooms, as well as 14 maisonettes. The Edwardian depot building itself opened in 1904 and construction work is to be completed by winter 2024. All the homes will be timber-framed as part of Jessup’s commitment to adopting sustainable business methods, while it continues to develop on its strong ESG credentials. Leicester-based RG+P Architects has designed the new homes, which will include 29 two-bedroom houses, 70 three-bedroom houses, and four four-bedroom houses as well as 12 one-bedroom maisonettes and two-bedroom maisonettes. Chris Timmins, Managing Director at Jessup, which opened an office at Meridian earlier this year said: “This is an iconic site and we understand its importance to the city. We are honoured to have the opportunity alongside our partners Midland Heart to transform this derelict site which has stood disused for so long into new homes for families and first-time home buyers in Leicester. Midland Heart Executive Director of Finance and Growth, Joe Reeves, said: “We are delighted to be working with Jessup on this project. “The Abbey Lane Bus Depot site has been derelict for some years and it’s great to be able to use our joint expertise to regenerate it into homes for affordable rent and shared ownership. Not only will this project transform a disused brownfield site but provide much needed affordable housing in the city.” The development is situated right across the road from Abbey Park which hosts sprawling 32-acre grounds, with a river and flower displays set on top of Augustinian monastery ruins. The site also has great transport routes being just two miles from Leicester City Centre and on bus route 54A. The site is also just a four-minute drive from Ross Walk Nature Reserve which is perfect for any canine companions and is just a five-minute drive to Cossington Recreation Ground which boasts a floodlit outdoor ball court, a 30-meter indoor swimming pool, sauna facilities, and a gym. Jessup’s 96-strong team provides a full development management service from land acquisition and planning consent, through to the construction of high-quality homes across the wider Midlands. Jessup also benefits from preferred partner status with Homes England. For further details visit jessuppartnerships.co.uk or follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JessupPartnerships or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessuppartnerships/?hl=en Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WORK to construct 157 homes on the outskirts of Carlisle will soon get under way after planning permission was granted for the development. Carlisle City Council’s Development Control Committee unanimously approved a reserved matters planning application from Penrith-based Genesis Homes for 157 high-specification homes to be built on land near Cumberland House Clinic, west of Cumwhinton Drive. Outline planning permission for the construction of up to 160 homes on the site was granted in 2020 on behalf of government agency Homes England, which acquired the site to promote is use for housing. The Woodlands development from Genesis Homes, which will comprise a range of one to five bedroom houses, flats and bungalows including the conversion of Victorian building Cumberland House into six apartments, will preserve surrounding woodlands to encourage biodiversity to thrive. John Blue, the company’s Land Director, said: “Genesis Homes is committed to making all our developments as environmentally friendly as possible, and a main aim of ours is to enhance the biodiversity and ecology of the local area. “We are delighted to be able to create a distinctive, characterful housing development which is sensitively embedded within the existing landscape, and preserve the beautiful surrounding wooded areas.” The development will be located close to the proposed St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, an ambitious housing and economic development scheme planned to regenerate the local area. The St Cuthbert’s development, identified as one of 14 garden villages across the UK by the Government, proposes to construct thousands of new homes, create new employment opportunities, build new community facilities and improve local transport links. The Woodlands development will complement the garden village and provide a further boost for the community. John said: “There is a strong vision for regeneration in the area and plans to create a new market area locally, and we are excited to form a positive relationship with the nearby development to boost the community even further.” Thirty of the homes on the Woodlands development have been designated affordable housing to help local people onto the property ladder. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nationwide housing provider, Guinness Homes, part of The Guinness Partnership, has launched Phase One of its new Signal Park development in Tolworth, Kingston-upon-Thames. At the recent launch event, prospective buyers had the chance to see how the development will look once completed. Viewers also had the opportunity to make reservations for the first time. The scheme comprises 78 one-bedroom apartments, 103 two-bedroom apartments, six two-bedroom duplex apartments and 24 three-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from £87,500 on a 25 per cent share (£350,000). By purchasing a percentage of the property between 25 per cent and 75 per cent and renting the remainder from the landlord, shared ownership opens the door to people who might not otherwise be able to access a property on the open market. Situated within a three-minute walk of Tolworth station, Signal Park is strategically located amongst nearby amenities. From Hollywood Bowl, M&S and Surbiton Raceway to Go Ape, Chessington World of Adventures and Hampton Court Palace, its central location is ideal for young people and families. The line leading through Tolworth station takes travellers directly to Waterloo in 31 minutes, stopping at Clapham Junction and Vauxhall beforehand for convenient access into the city. Hellyn Fairbrother, London and South East Regional Sales Manager at Guinness Homes said: “The launch of Signal Park Phase One was a great success, with many local residents and renters coming to see what Guinness has to offer at this desirable South London location. “These Shared Ownership homes at Signal Park provide a more affordable route onto the property ladder, and we are looking forward to the show apartments being ready to view in the spring next year.” For more information visit https://www.guinnesshomes.co.uk/find-a-home/signal-park-tolworth/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham City Council is investing £27 million to retrofit 300 homes. An event has been announced which aims to help local retrofit professionals, community representatives and local government teams accelerate the progress of energy efficiency retrofit from strategic planning to successful delivery. The online presentations, discussion and networking from 6-8 December 2022 will help attendees develop their understanding of how the UK’s second city, social housing, community partners and supply chain can work together with residents to create better homes, with reduced energy use, to alleviate fuel poverty and support residents through the energy crisis and beyond. Speakers will be exploring three key themes, focused on scaling up retrofit across Birmingham through collaboration to provide continuous support and consistent delivery. “Retrofitting homes across Birmingham is of course a key part of our route to zero carbon emissions but also a huge opportunity to create green jobs and tackle fuel poverty across the city. So we’re delighted to be working with Low Carbon Homes to deliver this summit. This is a great opportunity to engage with retrofit experts, community representatives and other councils and discuss how we can progress retrofit activity across the region,” said Birmingham City Council Leader Cllr Ian Ward, who is opening the event. Day 1 covers how to design and plan to provide long-term continuity for the market through planning and policy consistency; while Day 2 will explore ways to ensure the continuity of retrofit delivery by creating a conducive environment to motivate businesses, education providers and individuals to invest in training, workforce and operations. On Day 3, presenters will share how retrofit success for Birmingham includes the provision of long-term aftercare to ensure residents benefit not only from living in better homes, but that the interventions have long-lasting well-being, economic and societal impact. Organisers Low Carbon Homes say that the event is an opportunity for retrofit stakeholders across Birmingham to meet the peers and colleagues they need to collaborate with to achieve local and national objectives for retrofit and Net Zero. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
